Russia scaling back, not withdrawing from Syria: Sources to Reuters

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Reuters
14 Dec 2024 18:21

Syrian military and security sources in contact with Russian counterparts say Moscow is withdrawing forces from forward positions and removing certain heavy equipment and senior Syrian officers.

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This handout satellite image released by Maxar Technologies on December 13, 2024, shows an Antonov An-124 heavy transport aircraft preparing to load equipment at the Russian Hmeimim Air Base in Syria's western province of Latakia (Photo by Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies / AFP)

Russia is reducing its military presence on the front lines in northern Syria and from positions in the Alawite Mountains but is maintaining its two primary bases in the country following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, Reuters reported, citing four Syrian officials.

The removal of al-Assad, who, along with his late father, former President Hafez al-Assad, fostered a strong alliance with Moscow, has raised questions about the future of Russia's strategic bases: the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia and the Tartous naval facility.

Satellite imagery from Friday revealed at least two Antonov AN-124 cargo planes, among the largest in the world, at the Hmeimim airbase, with their nose cones open, seemingly being prepared for loading, the news agency highlighted.

It cited a Syrian security official stationed near the base as saying that at least one cargo plane departed for Libya on Saturday.

Syrian military and security sources in contact with Russian counterparts informed Reuters that Moscow is withdrawing forces from forward positions and removing certain heavy equipment and senior Syrian officers.

However, these sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, emphasized that Russia is not abandoning its two principal bases and has no immediate plans to do so.

Russia contacting Syrian regime, seeks to keep bases: Report

Russia has established direct communication with the political committee of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group behind the recent insurgency that toppled al-Assad, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov revealed on Thursday, according to the Interfax news agency.

Bogdanov described the contacts with HTS as "constructive". He stated that Moscow's aim was to ensure that HTS fulfills its commitments to maintain order, prevent any "excesses", and guarantee the safety of diplomats and foreign nationals.

The deputy foreign minister also underscored Russia's determination to retain its military presence in Syria. The Tartous naval base and the Hmeimim Air Base, near Latakia, remain pivotal to Moscow's efforts against international terrorism, he said.

"The bases are still there, at the request of the Syrians, with the aim of combating terrorists from the Islamic State. No other decisions have been made at this time," Bogdanov noted.

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism, including remnants of ISIS, is far from over. "This fight requires collective efforts, and in this context, our presence, particularly at the Hmeimim base, has played a critical role in combating international terrorism," he added.